Be Great In Service
“Jesus rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13:4-5
We all have heard the story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. Too often, this enormous act of humility and grace is overlooked or at least minimized as just another story about Jesus. But the truth is, the application, the standard, the pattern Jesus established through this act sets the benchmark by how we all should live our lives. Jesus was changing the paradigm of what it means to be a child of God; what it means to be one of His disciples.
Two thousand years ago, when Jesus walked as a man on Earth, some individuals were considered holy, set apart, and close to God were elevated and positioned in high places. These pharisees and priests were catered to, served, and set on a pedestaled. Due to their status or position they felt entitled to be treated differently and better. But Jesus came and challenged this paradigm, and completely turned it on its ear. He established a new approach to being holy, set apart and close to God. As a disciple, we should not think ourselves as above others, but a people who are willing to humbly serve them.
Jesus’ action was not a random act, but a purposeful event to teach and change us. He established a standard to address our heart, and to learn to serve as He did! Regardless if you are called to the fivefold ministry or to be a CEO of a large organization your focus should not be on being exalted above others, but willing to humble oneself and honor them. Position, titles, and accomplishments does not make a person better than another but gives opportunity to make a bigger impact. So, as you start your day, strive to be great as Christ!! If it is to clean bathrooms, or open doors, or wash someone’s feet, be willing to humbly serve!
“And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42-45